Selling on Swiggy and Zomato: The Compliance Documents They Ask For
The FSSAI licence, GST, and other documents Swiggy and Zomato require before onboarding a restaurant or cloud kitchen in India, and how to keep your listing compliant.
Swiggy and Zomato both require a specific set of compliance documents before they will onboard a restaurant, cloud kitchen, or home-based food business, and the FSSAI licence is the non-negotiable core of that list. Getting these documents ready before you apply speeds up onboarding significantly.
Key facts at a glance
- A valid FSSAI licence or registration number is mandatory for every outlet listed on Swiggy or Zomato.
- GST registration is typically required once turnover crosses the statutory threshold, and platforms usually collect a GSTIN during onboarding regardless.
- Shop and establishment registration is commonly requested as proof of legal business existence.
- Bank account and PAN details are needed for payout settlement and tax reporting.
- Licence numbers displayed on listings can be cross-checked by customers and regulators, so accuracy matters.
- FSSAI licences issued from 1 April 2026 no longer carry a fixed expiry date, running until suspended, cancelled, or the business closes.
The core document checklist
FSSAI licence or registration
This is the single most important document. Depending on your annual turnover, you will need either a Basic Registration (small businesses, turnover up to the registration threshold), a State Licence (mid-sized, up to the state licence threshold), or a Central Licence (large, multi-state, or specific categories). As of the 2026 amendment regulations, the registration turnover threshold is Rs 1.5 crore and the state licence threshold is Rs 50 crore.
GST registration
Platforms need your GSTIN to correctly apply tax on orders and remit dues. Even sellers below the mandatory GST threshold are often asked to register, because aggregators handle tax collection at source on behalf of many restaurant partners.
Shop and establishment registration
This state-issued registration confirms your outlet is a legitimate commercial establishment. Requirements and processes vary by state, so check your specific state labour department's portal.
PAN and bank details
Needed for KYC, payout processing, and TDS compliance on platform commission and settlements.
FSSAI-linked signage and menu labelling
Platforms may also expect your menu to reflect any mandatory food safety disclosures (allergens, non-veg/veg marking) consistent with FSSAI labelling norms.
Document requirements by outlet type
| Outlet Type | FSSAI Licence | GST | Shop & Establishment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dine-in restaurant | Yes | Yes (above threshold) | Yes | Standard full checklist |
| Cloud kitchen | Yes | Yes (above threshold) | Yes | Same thresholds as dine-in |
| Home-based / small seller | Basic registration usually sufficient | Often still requested | Varies by state | Lower turnover, simpler tier |
| Multi-city chain | Central licence likely required | Yes | Per-state | Central licence for pan-India ops |
Common onboarding delays and how to avoid them
Most onboarding delays come from mismatched details - a business name on the FSSAI licence that does not match the GST certificate, or an expired licence that was not renewed in time. Keep all documents under the same registered business name and check expiry dates before applying, especially if your licence predates the 1 April 2026 no-expiry change and is still on the older fixed-term system.
Platforms also periodically re-verify documents, particularly around FSSAI licence renewal cycles or after a compliance complaint, so treat onboarding documentation as something to keep current, not a one-time submission.
Sources
- FSSAI - fssai.gov.in
- GST portal - gst.gov.in
- Respective state labour/shops and establishments department portals
If you are not sure your restaurant or cloud kitchen has all the documents food delivery platforms require, ComplianceCheck's food business assessment gives you a clear picture in a few minutes.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by state, sector and headcount - confirm specifics with a compliance professional or the relevant authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I list on Swiggy or Zomato without an FSSAI licence?
- No. A valid FSSAI licence or registration number is a mandatory onboarding document for any food business listed on these platforms, since it is a legal requirement to sell food in India.
- Do I need GST registration to sell on food delivery apps?
- GST registration is generally required once your turnover crosses the applicable threshold, and platforms typically ask for a GSTIN during onboarding even for smaller sellers, since aggregators must handle tax compliance on transactions.
- What is the FSSAI licence number displayed on delivery app listings?
- It is the 14-digit licence or registration number issued by FSSAI, which platforms display on the listing so customers and regulators can verify the outlet is licensed.
- Does a cloud kitchen need a different FSSAI licence than a dine-in restaurant?
- The licence category depends on turnover and scale, not on whether you have dine-in seating - a cloud kitchen crossing the same turnover thresholds needs the same tier of licence as a comparable restaurant.
- What happens if my FSSAI licence expires while I am listed on a platform?
- Platforms typically suspend or delist an outlet whose licence has lapsed, since operating with an expired licence is a compliance violation the aggregator can be held accountable for facilitating.
- Do delivery platforms verify hygiene rating before onboarding?
- Many platforms increasingly reference hygiene audit outcomes or self-certification alongside licensing documents, reflecting the broader move toward risk-based food safety oversight.
- Is a shop and establishment registration needed to sell on Swiggy or Zomato?
- Most platforms ask for it as a standard business-identity document during onboarding, since it confirms the outlet is a legally registered commercial establishment in that state.
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Restaurant & Food Business Compliance
Compliance assessment for restaurants and food businesses covering FSSAI, Fire NOC, liquor licence, GST and labour requirements.